Each body shape is unique and beautiful in its own way. If you have an hourglass body shape, you’re blessed with curves, and actually have the rarest body shape there is (only about 8% of women have an hourglass figure). The best thing you can do when choosing clothes is highlighting your feminine figure and working with the natural balance of your body. Want to know the best way to do this? Here’s how to dress an hourglass body shape with 7 tips and hacks!
5 Types of Body Shapes
1. Hourglass Body Shape
An hourglass body shape is characterized by having hips and bust of a similar width, with a narrow, defined waist and a full bust. The hourglass shape is one of the most balanced and in-proportion body shapes, and it’s actually the rarest of them all. Your biggest shopping challenge is usually finding pants that fit your curvy bottom without leaving a gap in the waistband.
2. Pear Body Shape
The pear body shape is defined by hips that are wider than the shoulders and bust, and a defined, often high waist. You have a small bust, which can also emphasize your small top half, and often wear a smaller dress size on the top half than you do on the bottom. You have a defined waistline, which can make buying jeans, pants, and skirts frustrating as they tend to gape at the back of the waistband, similar to an hourglass body shape.
3. Rectangle Body Shape
If you have a straight silhouette without many curves, you likely have a rectangle body shape. Your shoulders, waist, and hips have a similar width, meaning you have little to no waist definition. You lean towards a more athletic body type and have very balanced proportions. The main challenge you face when getting dressed is trying to create more curves in your silhouette.
4. Apple Body Shape
The main features of an apple body shape are a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. You have a rounder silhouette, broader shoulders, and a fuller bust when compared to your hips. Your waistline is typically less defined and you have leaner arms and legs despite the fuller midsection.
5. Apron Belly Body Shape
An apron belly often occurs after pregnancy or weight changes. If you notice loose abdominal skin and excess fatty tissue that hangs over your abdomen, you likely have an apron belly. The size of an apron belly can vary and having this type of body shape can be difficult to dress since it often occurs later on in life, and you’re not born with it like the other body types.
8 Characteristics of an Hourglass Body Shape
- Bust/shoulder measurement and hip measurement that are almost equal
- Petite, defined waist
- Very full bust
- Curvy – exaggerated hips and bust
- Hips and shoulders have a more rounded, softer look
- Symmetrical, balanced proportions
- Legs tend to be curvy and shapely
- If you gain weight, it tends to show up evenly in your body, particularly in the bust, hips, seat, and thighs first
How to Dress an Hourglass Body Shape
1. Accentuate Your Waist
Your waist is one of your best assets as an hourglass body shape, and is also one of your most distinctive features. One of the biggest mistakes an hourglass can make is hiding her waistline in baggy, ill-fitting clothes. Emphasize your waist with high-waisted skirts and pants, belts, wrap dresses, and a-line styles. Tailored clothing that accentuates your waist will work wonders for your natural curves.
2. Keep Things Balanced
The hourglass shape has a naturally balanced silhouette, so you want to maintain that balance. That means if you add to one side (your shoulders), you need to be adding to the other side (your hips) as well. The top and bottom of the body should be proportionally dressed, so it’s not top- or bottom-heavy. The best way to do this is by defining your waist and choosing simple, clean garments that don’t clutter your silhouette. Steer clear of straight cuts and boxy styles that hide the waist, and choose clothing that shows off your curves.
3. Go Flared
High-waisted flare staples work wonderfully for hourglass figures. With their snug waist and flared hem, they accentuate your narrowest part, while adding balance to the hips, and enhancing your naturally curvy silhouette. A-line dresses and skirts, flared skirts, wrap dresses, and peplum tops are great options for an hourglass. Flared jeans and trousers can also help balance out your hips and work flawlessly with your natural silhouette.
4. Close-Fitting Styles
While flared options work well for your body shape, don’t shy away from fitted styles like bodycon dresses and pencil skirts. Close-fitting dresses, jumpsuits, tops, and jackets will flatter your curves and enhance your natural shape. Just keep in mind that clothes that fit too tight can make you appear bigger rather than accentuate your curves, so it’s important that close-fitting styles fit well.
5. Choose Flattering Necklines
The most flattering necklines for an hourglass shape are ones that add subtle detail to the upper body without throwing off the balance of your silhouette. Off the shoulder, sweetheart, square, scoop, and V-neck are all excellent options for an hourglass figure. Steer clear of high necklines, turtle necks, and any embellishments up top as they’ll add volume to the area and throw off your natural balance.
6. Opt for Fitted Sleeves
Fitted sleeves are usually the best bet for an hourglass shape. Just like the neckline, your sleeves shouldn’t throw off the natural balance of the body. Avoid embellishments, as well as loose and wide sleeves. Fitted long and ¾ length sleeves are super flattering, as are set-in sleeves. A bishop sleeve, which is gathered at the bottom with a button and slit also works well. Avoid bell sleeves, flutter sleeves, and anything else with lots of volume.
7. Wrap-Style Jackets
Jackets can be tricky for an hourglass shape as most aren’t designed for a large bust and defined waist. Wrap-style jackets are often your best, most flattering option! You can wrap it as tight or loose as you need to fit your bust and the belt will cinch in your waist.
If you have an hourglass body shape, use these tips and hacks to enhance your best features!
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